Such Quiet Girls – A Breathless Battle Underground and the Secrets of the Silent

1. About the Author: Noelle W. Ihli

Noelle W. Ihli is a suspense author known for crafting tightly-wound psychological thrillers that plunge readers into harrowing life-or-death situations. Her stories often feature emotionally complex characters navigating terrifying circumstances, where survival hinges on resilience and instinct. Notable works include Ask for Andrea, The Thicket, The Keeper, and the critically acclaimed Such Quiet Girls, inspired by the real-life 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping case.

Noelle stands out for her use of multiple points of view (POVs), allowing readers to experience a story from different emotional lenses. Her gripping narratives and intense pacing have earned her a loyal fan base among thriller enthusiasts.

2. About the Narrators: Helen Laser, Jennifer Jill Araya, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Caitlin Kelly

The audiobook version of Such Quiet Girls features a dynamic performance by four accomplished narrators: Helen Laser, Jennifer Jill Araya, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, and Caitlin Kelly. Each narrator brings a unique perspective to the characters they portray, creating a rich, immersive audio experience.

• Helen Laser delivers a powerful performance with emotional depth, ideal for intense, layered characters.

• Jennifer Jill Araya excels in portraying emotionally driven female characters with a soft yet persuasive tone.

• Shaun Taylor-Corbett brings strength and realism to male roles, adding gravity and nuance.

• Caitlin Kelly is especially effective in capturing the voice of younger characters like Sage, making her standout in her role.

Together, their voices elevate the audiobook, making it more than just a narration — it becomes a full auditory drama.

3. About the Book: Such Quiet Girls

Such Quiet Girls is a psychological thriller inspired by the real-life 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping, where 26 children and their bus driver were buried alive in an underground truck trailer. In the novel, Jessa, a newly hired school bus driver, is thrust into a nightmare when she and ten children are abducted and buried underground in a steel container.

The story unfolds through multiple POVs — Jessa, Sage (a brave young girl), Sheena (a desperate mother), and even Ted (one of the kidnappers) — giving the reader a 360-degree view of the harrowing ordeal. Themes of survival, fear, courage, and humanity are intricately explored, all under the pressure of dwindling oxygen and rising terror.

Such Quiet Girls currently holds a 4.3/5 average rating on Goodreads, with thousands of glowing reviews. While it hasn’t received major awards yet, it has been featured as a fan favorite in the thriller category on Audible and continues to gain traction among audiobook listeners.

4. Book Review: Such Quiet Girls

This novel delivers tension in spades. From its premise — rooted in a real-life event — to its claustrophobic setting and multiple POVs, Such Quiet Girls captures the psychological unraveling of its characters with precision.

Strengths:

• Based on a real event, adding authenticity and horror.

• Multiple POVs offer emotional complexity and narrative depth.

• Claustrophobic tension is well-developed, especially scenes involving air shortage and time constraints.

• Sage is a standout character — clever, courageous, and endearing.

Weaknesses:

• The constant shift between POVs may disrupt pacing for some readers.

• Jessa’s character arc can feel inconsistent in the early chapters, though she redeems herself later.

Overall, the book is a must-read for fans of intense, character-driven thrillers. The narrative is both emotionally and physically suffocating in the best way, pulling the reader deep into the characters’ desperate plight.

5. Audiobook Review: Such Quiet Girls

The audiobook adaptation of Such Quiet Girls is a masterclass in performance-based storytelling. With four narrators bringing unique voices to the characters, the listening experience feels like a high-stakes audio drama rather than a traditional reading.

Highlights:

• Each narrator delivers a compelling performance that enhances the emotional range of their character.

• The alternating voices help listeners easily follow the shifts in POV.

• The audio design subtly enhances tension without overwhelming the storytelling.

Minor Drawbacks:

• Some listeners felt the performances were occasionally too dramatic.

• A few supporting characters lacked vocal distinction.

Despite these minor issues, the audiobook maintains a high rating of 4.5/5 on Audible, making it a top recommendation for fans of full-cast thrillers and immersive audio experiences.

6. Who Should Listen to or Read This Book?

This book is ideal for:

• Fans of psychological thrillers and survival stories

• Readers intrigued by real-life crime-based fiction

• Those who enjoy multiple POV storytelling

• Audiobook enthusiasts who appreciate strong, emotive narration

If you enjoyed books like Room by Emma Donoghue or The Chain by Adrian McKinty, Such Quiet Girls will feel right at home on your shelf — or in your headphones.

7. Final Thoughts

Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli is an emotionally gripping, pulse-pounding thriller that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. With a tense, well-paced plot and a standout audiobook performance, this story will keep you hooked from the first chapter to the last desperate breath.

Whether you prefer to read or listen, this story is worth every minute. It’s not just a thriller — it’s an experience.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

You can listen to Such Quiet Girls on popular audiobook platforms such as:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download the book on mobile or desktop

• Audible – Available with a 30-day free trial for new members